This is regarding vintage steel bikes with double cranks. More mechanical related than C&V, which is why I'm posting here. Question regards dimensions of suntour freewheels.

I have four freewheels on different bikes. I was using an alpha (four-prong, accushift-era) six speed, which worked great. It was a 14-28. It finally started to slip a few weeks ago, on my most used cogs.

Ordered from he Bay a "barely" used two-prong six speed with a more appropriate 13-24. When it arrived, it is in great shape and spins smooth, clean cogs, etc. ... but the spacing is quite a bit greater.

I realize that there was an "Ultra" series of freewheels but I thought that those were gone by the time the accushift stuff came around. I have an early 90s 7 speed suntour freewheel that's 14-30, and it also takes up less space than the 13-24 6 speed.

It wouldn't be a problem except that the smallest cog is virtually unusable, even in the big chainring. I know that small to small is not an ideal chainline but I've always been able to use it without a problem, on the "thinner" freewheels.

I'm wondering if there is a problem with the spacing on this new 6 speed freewheel or if i should take the cogs off and put them on the alpha freewheel body.

Hopefully you've been able to follow all that! Is my problem clear? If not maybe pictures would help?

Any advice is appreciated!

Best,
Phil